
PI: Dr. Sarah Lehnert
Research Scientist: DFO Gulf, Gulf Fisheries Center
Adjunct Professor: Ocean Sciences Center, MUN
PDF: Bedford Institute of Oceanography (Bradbury Population Genomics Lab)
PhD, MSc: University of Windsor (Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research)
BSc: University of New Brunswick
My research has focused on different areas in evolutionary ecology with a specific interest in understanding the mechanisms that act to maintain variation in nature. While I have always been interested in basic science, my work often addresses applied questions for management and conservation. My PhD research focused on understanding the evolution of carotenoid pigmentation in salmon, an important fitness trait that also has applications in the aquaculture industry. As a postdoc, my research focused on population genomics of marine species, including the invasive European green crab, commercial sea scallop, and Atlantic salmon. In 2019, I began working as a Research Scientist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in St. John's, NL, and my role focused on using evolutionary genetics to support conservation and management of salmonids. In late 2025, I started a new role as a Research Scientist with DFO in New Brunswick that focuses on research on aquatic pathogens of concern on the East Coast of Canada. I also serve as a member of COSEWIC's Marine Fishes Species Subcommittee (SSC) to provide science advice that can directly influence conservation of species in Canada.
Contact: sarah.lehnert [at] dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Current graduate students
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PhD Student
Victoria Heath
Project: Characterizing mechanisms of rapid adaptation to predict responses to climate change in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Co-supervised with Dr. Ian Fleming

MSc Student
Hallie Arno
Project: Consequences of interbreeding between farmed and wild salmon under climate change: effects on thermal tolerance
Co-supervised with Drs. Ian Fleming and Ian Bradbury

MSc Student
Kiley Simms
Project: Hybridization dynamics between invasive brown trout and Atlantic salmon populations and comparative morphology
Co-supervised with Dr. Ian Fleming